What is a common consequence of non-adherence to antihypertensive medications?

Non-adherence to antihypertensive medications can lead to an increased risk of complications like stroke because these medications are essential for managing blood pressure levels. When patients do not take their prescribed antihypertensive drugs regularly or as directed, their blood pressure can remain elevated. Over time, this unmanaged hypertension can significantly increase the likelihood of serious cardiovascular events, including strokes, heart attacks, and kidney damage.

Antihypertensive medications work to lower blood pressure to prevent such adverse outcomes. If a patient fails to take these medications, they are at a greater risk for the damaging effects of high blood pressure, which can include long-term complications like stroke, due to the strain and damage high blood pressure places on blood vessels and the cardiovascular system.